Budget is as brittle as is subtle only supporting President’s corrupt motives, says UNP

(November, 09, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) At today’s (November, 09) Media briefing at the UNP Media Unit, UNP Parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella said that this budget has not done anything for the alleviation of the sufferings of the masses. On the contrary, it has contributed to their hardships.

He said that the Govt. is making subtle moves even through the Budget to contribute to its rule of corruption, tyranny and unjust nourishment of Rajapakase’s Govt. This reign which has become a byword for corruption and tyranny is trying to introduce a Project Management Dept. in his proposal No. 46 in the Budget to interfere and take control over all preparation of agreements and contractual arrangements by all Ministries and Departments.
The President has proposed an allocation of Rs. 50 million towards the establishment of this new Dept. coming under his Ministry of Finance and planning.

It is well and widely known that the President has already by fair or foul means brought 75% of the country’s finances under his control. This new move to create this Dept. is to bring even all Govt. tenders and agreements under him. In other words, all tenders could also be manipulated using his official position.

The aims and objects of the President is very clear when seen in the backdrop of the sordid controversial MIG 27 purchases (now, before Commission of Bribery and corruption with charges filed against Gotabaya Rajapakse) which were manipulated sidelining Tender procedures.

If this Dept. is established, transparency in Tender procedures will be lost, and President who is already controlling 75% of the Finances will control almost the entire finances of the country, and the Treasury will be like his dowry gift open for pilferage to him at will and pleasure, he concluded.